ESG News from Leading Brands

Energy

Queensland Renewable Fuels Association to Partner with below50 to Scale Up Development and Use of Low-Carbon Fuels

Jul 25, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Today at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Technology, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) signed a partnership agreement to scale up the development and use of low-carbon fuels through WBCSD’s below50 initiative.

Diversity & Inclusion

Duke Energy Joins More than 250 Companies in Unprecedented Commitment to Advance Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Jul 25, 2017 1:30 PM ET

Duke Energy today announced it has joined a national coalition of business leaders pledging to advance diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Scheller College Professor L. Beril Toktay Named Fellow by Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society

Jul 25, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Founding Director of the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business is named Distinguished Fellow by the Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society (MSOM). "Election as an MSOM Fellow should be considered a rare distinction," according to the society's web site.

Social Impact & Volunteering

PayPal's Coline Vignon on Volunteering Through PayPal Gives

Jul 25, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Health & Healthcare

Providing Access to Healthcare for Displaced Populations in Libya

Jul 25, 2017 11:20 AM ET

Tasked with responding to humanitarian emergencies in conflict zones, the Sanofi Espoir Foundation has decided to support a medical project undertaken by its long-standing partner, Première Urgence Internationale.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Aflac Honors Corporate Social Responsibility Heroes in New Report

Jul 25, 2017 11:15 AM ET

Since 1998, Aflac independent sales agent Gail Moeder has volunteered with Camp Hope - Heartland in Great Bend, Kansas, a nonprofit camp supporting families living with, through and beyond cancer. For her, the cancer experience hits close to home, inspiring her to be involved with this special place “beyond the rainbow.” Watch and learn more about how she is “doing good” for her community. Look for Gail, along with our other Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) heroes, in the 2016 Aflac CSR Report #Duckprints #AflacCSR

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Cargill Commits to Providing Free Fresh Chicken to an Organisation Tackling Hunger in the UK

Jul 25, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Sustainable Development Goals

Domtar's Sustainability Economics

Jul 25, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Domtar is a case study of how supply and demand has accelerated sustainability—in particular, how the growing supply of natural gas has accelerated the reduction of coal burning in our power boilers. Over the past few years, energy economics and the drive for competitive advantage through improved efficiency have reduced air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions further and faster than what would have occurred under any likely scenario involving additional government regulation.

Research, Reports & Publications

IBM Releases 2016 Corporate Responsibly Report

Jul 25, 2017 10:10 AM ET

At IBM, responsibility is integral to our business and draws us to social challenges where we can matter, where innovation and expertise can improve communities and lives. Our approach involves forging sustained partnerships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academia and other companies — allied in purpose, focused on results. Our ongoing work across a range of activities is detailed in our 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Environment

Honesty Over Perfection: Navigating the Urgency of Climate Change in Shifting Times

Jul 25, 2017 10:05 AM ET

We are living in a time of uncertainty, unpredictability and anxiety. So much has changed, and so fast, from policies and legislation to government priorities, leadership and expectations. At the same time we have a surge of unprecedented activism from all corners of the world. Some in reaction to change, others in support of more change. All this tells us is that we no longer can define what “normal” means.

Green Infrastructure

Is WELL Certification Worth It for Developers?

Jul 25, 2017 9:55 AM ET

Some argue that buildings with healthy features command up to a 20 percent rent premium over market rate, in addition to savings on operational costs. Launched in October 2014, WELL has registered or certified 450 projects, encompassing nearly 100 million sq. ft. of space in 27 countries, including 361 office projects.

Diversity & Inclusion

Parental Leave Is A Hit

Jul 25, 2017 9:35 AM ET

In 2016, PNC announced a change to its parental leave policy for all new moms and dads. Eligible new parents of any gender can now receive full pay for six weeks in the year following a baby’s birth. Here’s one dad’s take on how the leave helped his family.

Energy

Consumers Energy Breaks Ground on Cross Winds® Energy Park Phase II

Jul 25, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Consumers Energy broke ground on its third wind energy project, Cross Winds Energy Park II in Tuscola County’s Columbia Township.Michigan’s largest energy provider is working with lead contractor White Construction, which has started building access roads and will begin constructing concrete foundations within two weeks for the 19 new turbines that will be 499 feet tall and generate up to 44 megawatts. White Construction was the contractor for Consumers Energy’s Lake Winds Energy Park near Ludington, Mich.

Health & Healthcare

Sandoz Expands Partnership with World Child Cancer, to Help Children Access Treatment in Four Developing Countries

Jul 25, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Sandoz today announces the expansion of a pilot project with leading charity World Child Cancer, aimed at improving access to treatment and optimizing survival outcomes for children suffering from cancer in four developing countries.

Research, Reports & Publications

NRG Energy | Key Issues Assessment Following GRI Framework

Jul 25, 2017 9:20 AM ET

NRG follows the GRI Framework to report on issues of importance to the company and its stakeholders. As part of a re-evaluation of our sustainability strategy, 
in 2013, we engaged a third party to facilitate a formal assessment to determine these key issues. Our initial assessment identified 49 issues as important to stakeholders and the NRG business.

Education

2017 Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium

Jul 25, 2017 9:20 AM ET

Education

HP Commits $20M+ to Enable Quality Education

Jul 25, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Making quality education accessible to the millions currently excluded is essential—and quality is key. HP is focused on reinventing the classroom in ways that engage students, empower educators, and build strong and vibrant communities. Furthermore, we are bringing these classrooms directly to students who otherwise may not have access to a quality education.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

HPE and Kiva Partner to Loan $14.5 Million to Low-Income Entrepreneurs

Jul 25, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Matter to a Million is a partnership between the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation and non-profit, micro-lending platform, Kiva. The five-year global initiative has enabled thousands of HPE employees to help hard-working, low-income entrepreneurs around the world by providing them with a $25 microfinance loan credit. T

Energy

What Major Power Providers are Doing With Their Efficient Operations and how Companies can Utilize Renewable Energy Solutions

Jul 25, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Legacy energy producers and distributors have been the target of disruptive business models and technology for decades. Adapting to competition and increased demand for low-carbon power, even the largest electric utilities and multinational gas and oil giants are behaving like innovative startups in today’s economy.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Tetra Tech Employees Rack up the Kilometers in Biggest International Bike to Work Week Event

Jul 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

As part of Tetra Tech’s Sustainability Program, the company challenges employees from around the world to park their cars and cycle to work each May.

Research, Reports & Publications

Doing Better Together: EDC Releases Its Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report for 2016

Jul 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency. Their job is to support and develop Canada’s export trade by helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. In 2016, they helped more than 7,150 Canadian companies do business in over 200 countries.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Sodexo’s Global Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Rohini Anand Appointed New Chair of the Catalyst Board of Advisors

Jul 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, announced today that Dr. Rohini Anand, senior vice president corporate responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexo, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Catalyst Board of Advisors, which features a variety of senior leaders across Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola Companies, Deloitte, IBM Corporation and Walmart.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

International Convention Center Sydney (ICC Sydney) Awarded U.S. Green Building Council Certification

Jul 25, 2017 8:30 AM ET

AEG’s International Convention Center Sydney (ICC Sydney), Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the preeminent rating system for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

Research, Reports & Publications

GRI, IIRC, Barclays and SustainIt on the Future of Reporting

Jul 25, 2017 6:00 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Creative Sustainability Thinking: Using Art to Help United Way

Jul 25, 2017 5:45 AM ET

On July 7, 2017 at the Avery Dennison corporate headquarters in Glendale, California, employees presented a donation to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The $10,156 donation was a surprise to the United Way and the culmination of a creative sustainability effort led by Avery Dennison’s 207 Green Team.